A STITCH in time from a Manchester firm means the Canadian team have the Commonwealth Games all sewn up.

Brother UK, which makes industrial sewing machines, has been called in to help tailor the team's needs throughout the event.

It has loaned two machines so the kits for all 284 Canadian competitors can be altered to a precise fit.

A tailor accompanies each team from the 72 nations taking part in the Games, and is responsible for ensuring that all the sports clothes provided for them when they arrive fit properly.

It's not unusual for the tailor to work a 20-hour day in the run-up to the Games.

Canadian team spokesman Andrea Guzzo said: "We decided to approach Brother as we knew it had an excellent reputation, and machines that could be relied upon to take the pressure."

Hugh Samson, general manager at Brother UK said: "Being a Manchester firm we were pleased that the Canadian team provided us with the opportunity to support them in such a high-profile event in our own city."